Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or anything related to it what-so-ever. The only characters in this fic that are truly mine are:

Lady Aurora Phoenix

Lady Natara Fear

Lady Sapphira Star

Dorian "Chaos"

Bryant "Havoc"

Sanura

Zahara

Adais

A/N: This is a fantasy as you can tell. It is part 2 to the Eternal Love fanfic that I ended a little while ago as it was getting to be too long. The story of the Pharaoh and his family is far from over however. His children are still around and they will incorporate themselves in the lives of little Yugi and his friends in one way or another. Fair warning, I am not one for writing out duels so you may not see a lot of them- barely any actually, as the fic is about the events that happened outside the duel arena. There will be some familiar scenes to fans of the show but most of those scenes will have a small twist or two in order for it to fit with the plot being laid out.

I understand many will not agree with a lot of what is written but that is why this is in the fantasy genera and not in just the general one. This is purely a concoction out of my own head and I am just going where the ideas lead me.

Just want to thank my faithful readers and reviewers again for continuing along on this little journey. DDCfreak, Atemu Fangurl, Ishizusan, Pastelblue, and mugen thank you all!

DDCfreak- Actually so am I lol… I had no idea what I was doing apparently when I wrote that but now I get to expand… Of course some info will still be kept silent, but the awkward moments will still be there lol… Have to clarify a few thing between the obvious pairings some how, don't I ? (grins)… So much room to play around with before and after the dinner scene in Duelist Kingdom… I think that is why I like that episode so much- tons of room for me to play… hmmm… well don't just take my word for it- go ahead and read on to see what my crafty little mind built lol…

Chapter 17

Honor Thy Word

Zahara followed silently behind Croquet as he led her to her room for the night. Ryou and the others were not far behind her. Téa and Mai's room were located first and the two instantly fell upon the obviously comfortable beds. Tristan and Joey's rooms were next, followed by Yugi's, then Ryou's, then her own. She looked back and realized that Ryou and Yugi were still standing in the hall in between their rooms, talking about something important to them. She looked ahead to see the larger doors that led to her mother's room and wondered if Yugi and the others would learn of that fact. She admitted to herself she found it odd that Yami and her mother had stared at each other without a word for so long after the duel between Pegasus and Seto. Or was it really a wordless stare down?

She sighed and entered her room, her first thought to grab a shower. She was still picking pieces of leaves and twigs from her hair from her tumble with Ryou into the bushes. She felt her cheeks begin to redden and her thoughts turned to of a lighter nature. A song floated into her head that she had loved hearing when she first came to Japan. So what if it was a song to a cartoon. It was a beautiful song and she eventually found herself humming to the tune in her head. A soothing and hauntingly, beautiful tune. Locked in her bathroom, she never heard her bedroom door open. Never heard the soft steps that carefully made their way inside her room, stopping near her bed.

Ryou had wanted to check on Zahara after they left the exhibition match. She had been so quiet at the appearance of her mother. He also noticed the silent stare-down between Yugi's spirit and Zahara's mother. He was not sure what it was about. He cared only about the distance he suddenly found her to be putting between the rest of the group and herself. After his chat in the hallway with Yugi, he, too, quickly showered and redressed. Then he hesitantly made his way to Zahara's room. He knocked but there was no answer. He could hear soft humming inside so he knew she was there. He tried the door knob and found the door unlocked.

"Hello? Zahara?" He carefully peeked his head around the door. Her voice floated from the bathroom as she continued her soft song, her humming turned to actual words. He stood in amazement as he listened to her. He recognized the song, but the way Zahara was singing it made it all the more beautiful. Every note seemed to implant itself into his head, so he still heard her even as the water ran for her shower.

Not wanting to startle her too much when she was ready to re-emerge from the bathroom, he turned and walked to a window. The view was impressive as it overlooked the cliff he and Zahara had spoken on after the duel with Panik. He had not been lying when he told her he accepted her and still cared for her. That he had always cared for her. He just had not felt it was the time to hit her with the exact word for what he was feeling. He could tell she was still so hesitant. But he did not blame her for that. He wore the reason around his neck.

If only I could get rid of this thing, he thought wistfully. Truth be told, when his friends were suddenly turning up hurt back at his old home town, he feared it had something to do with the Ring and actually attempted to be rid of it. Then one morning her woke up, completely exhausted. The news reported another friend of his had fallen ill. A coma they were uncertain he would ever wake from. His eyes had widened in fear when he felt around his neck, his worse fear becoming a reality as his fingers touched the cold metal of the Ring. He sighed at the memory and placed his hands in his pockets. A whisper in his head spooked him.

You will never be rid of me, Hikari. He jumped, his voice catching in his throat as a hand touched his arm.

"No! Get away from me!"

Zahara reeled backward to avoid being struck, the towel around her head falling to the floor, releasing her long wet hair. She blinked rapidly as she caught her breath and clutched the robe she wore tightly against her.

"All right, fine, I will if that is what you want. I'm sorry; I had not meant to startle you. But I must remind you, you are in my room." She stared at him with wide eyes and suddenly saw his face flush. "Ryou? Are you all right? Please, speak to me. What is wrong?" She had started forward again, but stopped herself as she remembered his reaction to her touch a few seconds ago. She saw Ryou's shoulders begin to shake. She could not tell if he was laughing, crying or if it was something else. "Ryou?" she whispered.

"I should be apologizing to you, Zahara-san. You may have startled me, but I am in your room, as you said. I was lost in thought."

"Apparently, not a very good thought." She hesitated again before attempting to step closer. That was when she saw him cringe. "Something I have done?"

"No, it isn't you at all. At least not the way you are thinking."

"I am confused. Please explain." She could see him struggle with his decision to tell her or not, so she swallowed hard and finished closing the distance between them, putting herself between Ryou and his view of the cliff and ocean. She gently raised his face so she could look into his eyes. She saw pure fear hidden in the warmth of those big brown eyes. "What has brought on this fear?"

"I thought I heard him, Zahara." His whispered words struck her harder than any hand could ever have struck her. She blinked and forced herself not to move away from him. He saw her fear and concern and turned his head away. He was about to leave her when she grabbed his arm.

"Don't go. Please, Ryou, don't go. Don't deal with this on your own." He looked back at her, confused.

"I have for this long, why should now be any different? He is the enemy to your family, as you said yourself. That means my being near you places you in danger."

"If I have to be in danger, then so be it. I won't let you go through this alone, if you allow me to be here with you. Please, Ryou."

"What about your mother?" She swallowed again, knowing her mother would not be happy.

"What about her? I love her, I respect her, and I know she means well. But there are some decisions I must make on my own. Ryou, I…" He looked harder at her, trying to figure out why she stopped speaking. "I know I cannot stop the spirit of the Ring. I am not about to try. But I won't leave you alone to deal with it either. His power cannot touch me. A gift from my heritage. His power cannot harm me at all."

"But his strength still can. If he takes over, I can't stop him, and I don't want to see you get hurt. I could never forgive myself if he…" This time she looked up at him.

"If he what?" She heard him give a sarcastic laugh.

"You have no idea the thoughts he has had about you." Her eyes widened and she did take a step back then, her back hitting the wall just underneath the window. "The things he wants the chance to do to you. I have to keep him away." He turned away again and started to leave. Her heart thudded loudly in her ears, but something wrenched her away from the wall and grabbed him, pulling him against her.

"I don't want you to go away," she said softly near his ear, her voice trembling with emotion. She felt the shudder going through him. "You don't want to go away either."

"But, Zahara, I can't…" He took a shaky breath as he held her gingerly in his arms. "I can't control him…"

"I don't care. I will face him later if I must, but I'll not let you go through this alone. I'll not abandon you now, not after you accepted me upon learning my secrets. You thought he was gone, then. There had been nothing for you to fear. So I know you care." He closed his eyes tightly and breathed in the fresh clean scent from the soap she had used. He became acutely aware of her breath at his neck which was stirring even stronger emotions within him. He had to get away, but he could not get himself to move. He shuddered again and drew her even tighter against her, feeling her body as it seemed to mold against him.

"Do you have any idea what kind of a chance you are taking?" He asked her, his voice rough with his raw emotion. She closed her eyes a moment, savoring the feel of his arms around her.

"Maybe not, but it is worth it, if I can be with you."

"Zahara," Ryou, pulled back slightly and brushed his fingers lightly through her still damp hair. She trembled again as she tilted her face to meet his. The hunger was there in his eyes, but there was no sign of the darkness as there had been when the spirit was there within his body.

Perhaps he was just scaring himself, she thought as she felt her lips parts slightly, only to lightly find herself nervously nibbling her lower lip again. Perhaps there is nothing to fear. She felt his thumb lightly trace over her lip, gently pulling it out from where her teeth had it trapped, and then it happened. He lowered his head and captured her lips. She gasped softly and a gentle moan escaped her throat as she pulled him tighter against her. So many emotions whirled in her head again. Fear, and love, both fighting for control. Their hunger matching as the kiss strengthened, becoming more passionate. He pulled back only briefly and she felt him begin to leave a trail of kisses down her jaw line and to the base of her neck. He stopped only to find her ear to whisper his plea.

"Promise, you won't leave me, no matter how bad the future may become. Please, Zahara. Promise me…" He heard her breath draw in but noted no hesitation in her response.

"I promise, Ryou. I'll not leave you. Not by choice, not ever. I will be with you, I swear, no matter what happens."

"Oh, Zahara," he breathed against her neck as their bodies trembled together. So many things they wanted to do, but dared not to at this time. They settled for letting their lips meet a few more times before pulling apart and sitting down on the bed while they caught their breaths. Their hands remained clasped and when Ryou looked over at her, he saw that even though her head was lowered, there was a shy smile on her face. "I promise I will do what I can to keep you safe, should he return. I…" Zahara silenced him with a more gentler kiss that almost did more for him than the more passionate ones they had shared a moment ago. He resisted the urge to lay her down right then and there.

"I know, Ryou. I will never hold anything that spirit may do against you. I will know it wasn't you. That is all you really need to know," she told him, her lips still brushing his. He reached for her again and just hugged her tightly.

"Thank you, Zahara." She smiled again and rested her head on his shoulder.

"No, thank you. Now come on," She reluctantly pulled back and motioned to her robe. "Dinner will begin soon and I still have to get dressed." She could not help the giggle that came from her throat as she watched his cheeks redden slightly. "Don't worry. I'll change in there," she told him as she nodded toward the bathroom. "You can stay here if you wish." She lightly caressed his face one last time before standing and disappearing within the bathroom, leaving him once again alone with his thoughts.

Once in the safety of the bathroom she sighed and leaned against the door, her eyes staring at the ceiling as she tried to calm her body. Just the thought of his lips on her skin made her shiver and she moaned softly. She moved away from the door and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She honestly was not sure what to do now. She knew what she wanted to do and was most certain he felt the same, but she knew there would be a new and better time later. She admitted to herself the prospect of Bakura's spirit returning did scare her, but she had given her word. If there was one thing her mother preached to Zahara and her siblings growing up was the value of honor. If you made a promise, you kept it, no matter what the consequence. Well, she had just made the biggest promise she had ever dared to make before. Now she had to follow through no matter how scary things may get.

Ryou lightly touched the door to the bathroom as he thought about Zahara. He could not believe the danger she was willing to place herself into for him should this spirit return. He wished he could have changed her mind, but then again, he did not want her to go either. It had been a dream come true when she begged for him to allow her to take this path with him so he no longer had to be alone in this struggle. There was no way he could allow the spirit to return now. But if it did, he had to make sure the spirit never laid a hand on her.

"I won't fail you, Zahara. You have placed your trust and faith in me, I won't let you down. I will die before I let him hurt or have you in any way. I have finally found someone worth giving it all up for." He walked away from the door to pick up the discarded towel that had covered her hair before he startled her. "You have no idea what you have done to me, for me. But I will make it all worth while, I promise, Zahara, my angel."

"Ready?" he turned at the sound of her soft voice as she reappeared outside the bathroom door. He laid the towel on her bed and walked toward her, wrapping her in his arms for one last hug. She returned the hug and they turned toward the door, hand in hand. Both had one thought in their heads as they made their way toward the dining hall.

This should be an interesting evening.

Zahara held back only a moment before they opened the door. Ryou looked over at her and squeezed her hand to reassure her. Taking a breath, the door opened and they entered.

Everyone was already in the room, Joey grabbing as much food as he could possibly get on his plate. Tristan was right there beside him, scarfing as much as he could put in his mouth to a time. Everyone had been so busy watching them eat, no on even noticed Ryou and Zahara's arrival until they pulled up chairs beside Yugi.

"Hey, guys. We didn't think you would be joining us."

"And miss all this?" Ryou grinned as he picked up his plate. Zahara made a sad attempt at suppressing her grin as Yugi openly laughed. It felt good to have the tension gone for the moment. Téa had been too busy laughing at Joey and Tristan to even catch Yugi and Ryou joking around.

"If this was a duel muncher's competition, you two would win hands down," she told them.

"I don't know, Téa," Yugi said with a chuckle. "I think they would have to worry about some competition from Bakura in that tournament." The table erupted into fits of laughter as Joey, Tristan, and Ryou all stopped a moment to grin sheepishly at their friends, their mouths too stuffed to speak. There was only one person not laughing, or even joining in on their joking. Bandit Keith sat at the far end of the table, trying his hardest to look like he was better than everyone else. Zahara rolled her eyes and sighed.

Some people, she thought. A cough caught their attention and everyone looked up. Croquet stood at the foot of the table waiting for silence before he spoke. Aurora had entered the room as well, but stayed near the wall. She was only there to hear the pair ups for the tournament and then she had plans to leave again. She knew she had given her word, but she did not want the conversation to be there and then.

"On behalf of Mr. Maxemillion Pegasus, I would like to congratulate the four duelists who made their way to the finals here at Duelist Kingdom." Tristan and Joey continued to stuff more food into their mouths, but Ryou hand put his utensils down and sat up straight to hear the announcement. At least, that was what Zahara thought he had sat up straight for. When she caught sight of her mother watching them, she had a clearer understanding and shot a glare across the room.

Something on your mind, Mother? He is fine. There is nothing to worry about, she thought angrily. She jumped when her mother's voice reached her mind.

You must have forgotten our uncanny ability to speak with our minds. He may be safe now, but he won't be for long. Zahara's eyes grew large and she just stared at her mother. She realized her mother must have had a vision concerning Ryou and had just not told her about it.

If you know something I should know, it might be a good idea to let me in on the secret.

Later. That was the final word as Croquet began to speak again and Ryou tapped Zahara's leg under the table to catch her attention.

"I trust you all have your play off entry cards. You received these two cards in your invitation to Duelist Kingdom. They are called, Glory of the King's Hand and Glory of the King's Opposite Hand. You must one of these to participate in the final tournament. Those without them are disqualified. The Glory of the King's Hand is required should you win the tournament to claim the three million dollar cash prize. The Opposite Card allows you to challenge Pegasus for the championship." All eyes turned on Joey as he nearly fell backward out of his chair with a shout. Yugi glanced over at his friend, but before he could ask what was wrong, Croquet continued. "To make tomorrow's tournament interesting, Pegasus has seen to it a special ingredient was added to your soup." All eyes turned down to the bowls in front of them. Gasps were heard around the table as a replica of the Millennium Eye rose to the surface in the bowls of the duelists.

"Hey, mine's eyeball free," Tristan announced as he stirred the soup. Zahara sighed with relief to find hers was as well. Joey stood up angrily.

"Hey! This is worse than havin' a fly in my soup!" Croquet ignored him

"Open up the Eye and look inside it if you will." The duelists did as they were asked as Croquet explained. "Each of you has been randomly assigned a letter." Yugi opened the piece of paper that had been inside his Eye.

"What's this for?" He asked, staring down at the paper.

"The computer will pair up the letters to determine the matches for tomorrow's play-offs."

"I wonder who is going up against whom?" Téa said aloud as the computer went to work. The table was silent. Each person going through their own private battle of emotions as they waited for the end results. Finally the computer began to chart out the match ups.

"And the pairings for tomorrow's play-offs are as follows: A verses B and C verses D." Joey stood up again.

"Okay, who has 'C'?" Bandit Keith laughed.

"Me, runt."

"All right! It's payback for trappin' us in dat cave!" Keith grinned wickedly at him.

"Once I crush you, you will wish you were still in that cave," he promised Joey. Joey growled in response. Yugi turned to face Mai on his other side.

"Looks like it's you and me, Mai," he said lightly. Mai nodded with a smile.

"I'm looking forward to this duel," she told him.

"Me, too, and may the best duelist win."

"The duels are set," Croquet interrupted the conversation again. "Mai Valentine verses Yugi Motou, and Bandit Keith Verses Joey Wheeler. Please enjoy this gracious feast, because for three of you, tomorrow will end in failure."

"There's a positive light on the whole thing," Zahara muttered as Croquet turned and left the room. Aurora gave her one last warning glance before leaving as well. Zahara turned to see Yugi watching as her mother left. Just what is going on? She asked herself as the meal continued. Yugi's watchful eyes was distracted when he heard Joey and Tristan groaning happily as they patted their stomachs. Zahara could not help but hide her smile behind her hand as she bowed her head. She could tell that even Ryou was chuckling.

"I can't believe you drank all of that eyeball soup," Téa was saying in wonder. Joey shrugged.

"Hey, food is food, Téa, don't matter what's in it." Zahara lost her smile and frowned with a groan, pushing the rest of her plate away. Yugi stood up beside her and made his way over to Joey.

"Hey, Joey," he started. "We had better get to bed. We are going to need our rest if we are going to be in top shape for the tournament tomorrow." Joey lost his smile and looked away from his friend.

"What's the point, Yuge? I don't have either one of the entrance cards so it isn't like…" He was cut off when Yugi handed him a card.

"Actually, this Glory of King's Hand is yours Joey," Yugi told him with a smile. "Why don't you just think of it as an early birthday present?" Joey stared at the card for a moment as a swell of emotions ripped through him.

"But you need that," he protested.

"The rules never said we needed both cards to participate, as long as we each had one, so I want you to have this one." Yugi could still see Joey struggling with his offer. "If you give up now, then who's going to save your sister?" That was the question that drove Joey to accept the card. Zahara had remembered hearing a little talk about Joey's sister while he was dueling in the cave, and she knew that his sister meant a lot to him. Yugi definitely knew what buttons to push when he had to. "What kind of big brother would you be if you didn't even try to win the prize money?"

"Yugi!" Joey said in shock. Yugi knew he did not have to add any more but he drove the idea home anyway by mentioning they had better odds of winning if both of them entered the final phase of the tournament together.

"You're a real pal, Yugi," Joey told him as he finally took the card. Zahara watched a sneer cross Keith's face and wondered what was going through his mind, but she brushed t off as everyone began to stand.

"All this mushy, lovey-dovey stuff is making my skin crawl," Mai informed them. "So good night, boys and girls, and catch you tomorrow, Yugi," With a flip of her hair, she left the room. Zahara stood then as well. She had not realized just how tired she was. Stretching slightly she looked down at Yugi, Joey, and Ryou.

"I think I had better head off as well."

"Wait up and we'll walk with you. Our rooms are all in the same hall anyway," Yugi offered. She smiled and nodded her head. Ryou stood and she felt his fingers snake between hers. She swallowed but looked over at him with a smile.

They made their way from the dining hall and into the hall for their rooms, still laughing about Joey and Tristan's food rampage. They all were glad to have such a large meal though after going two days with hardly anything to eat. The group stopped momentarily outside Yugi's door. Yugi looked up at Zahara with a question dancing in his eyes.

"I know your mother is here. Do you know where she is staying?" He asked her. It seemed like an innocent question, but Zahara could almost see that something else had prompted him to ask it.

"Yes, I know."

"She is staying somewhere safe then, right? I mean, after shouting at Pegasus they way she did earlier, I would hope he wouldn't try anything like what he did to my grandpa and Kaiba brothers." She smiled and gazed down the hall to where she knew her mother's room was. Though she could not be sure her mother was even inside the room.

"Yes, she is safe, but not because of the room." Both Yugi and Ryou gave her odd looks then, but she did not elaborate. She knew that Joey, Tristan, and Téa were all under the assumption that the duel between Yugi and the Spirit of the Ring had all been a dream. She was not about to break that thought for them. It was probably the only real thing keeping them sane through all of this. She realized they were still waiting for her to continue so she shook her head. "Good night, Yugi." She nodded at each of his friends in turn before leaving them and returning to her own room.

"She is such a strange girl," she heard Téa say, scornfully. She smiled when Ryou spoke up.

"She's not so bad once you get to know her."

"I bet you know her really well by now, don't you, Bakura," Tristan teased him. She could almost see the blush creeping across Ryou's face.

"Not in the way you are implying, Tristan. She isn't like that. Very proper when left alone with someone. I only meant I have actually taken the time to speak with her, and get to know her."

"Whatever, man," Joey was grinning right along Tristan, but the laughter in their tone left when Yugi spoke.

"Come on, guys, ease up. She has been there to help me even when no one else knew I needed help. I trust her and believe she is a good person. Just feeling a little alone and out of place, maybe. We have all been there at least once in our lives." The group fell silent a moment before Tristan and Ryou headed for their rooms saying their good nights as they left. Yugi then faced his own room.

"Well, good night," he said to Joey and Téa.

"Thanks again for bailin' me out. You really arethe best, pal," Joey told him as he flashed a thumbs up. Yugi nodded and stifled a yawn before entering his room leaving Téa and Joey to argue over the volume of Joey's snoring. Zahara sighed and closed her door. Her eyes narrowed in thought when she noticed a nightgown laying on her bed. Her only thought was her mother must have placed it there knowing she had not thought to bring one of her own. For once she was actually grateful to her mother for thinking ahead. Quickly, she traded her outfit for the nightgown and turned up the corner of her sheets. She was about to climb in when a soft knock at her door reached her ears. She found her robe and put it on as she made her way to the door.

"I didn't wake you, did I?" She smiled at Ryou's hesitant voice, as she opened the door.

"Not yet, not that I would have minded. Is there something I can do for you?" She noticed then that Tristan was knocking on Téa's door just down the hall. "What is going on?"

"Tristan won't stop about how Pegasus must have some mirror or hole somewhere that is helping him to cheat in the game. You and I know better, but I am humoring him."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"I was wondering if you would like to come with us on his search party." She looked down. This was one of those moments she knew she would have to refuse.

"I am sorry, Ryou. I cannot tonight. Something tells me I will be needing more energy than normal tomorrow. I must get some sleep. Thank you for wanting to include me on this, though. It means a lot to me." She saw his face fall for a moment before understanding entered his eyes.

"You have been through a lot these last couple of days. I understand. Please take it easy and get some rest. He reached up and touched her cheek. She leaned into the touch and closed her eyes as she felt his lips brush her cheek, near her ear. "Sweet dreams, Zahara." She pulled back and swallowed hard, but smiled at him.

"Thank you, Ryou. Good luck on your search tonight. I will see you at breakfast tomorrow, then?"

"I will be there," he nodded to her. They each looked at each other a moment longer before Tristan motioned for Ryou to join him and Téa. She closed her door as a feeling of dread washed over her.

"Something horrible is going to happen tonight," she whispered to her empty room. She debated changing and following them but fought against it again, knowing her mother was watching her even more closely now. No, for the sake of her mother's increasing weariness over Ryou, she had to remain in her room tonight. She would face whatever made her have her feeling of dread when it revealed itself to her later, she was certain. She had no idea just how close to the danger, she really was.

Sound asleep and snuggled deep underneath her sheets, she never heard the light footsteps that padded into her room. The door had not been needed open. The shadows seemed to move on their own. She moaned softly as the bed dipped when the other presence sat down lightly, taking care not to disturb her more. The evil in his eyes matched the smirk on his lips as he gently reached out to brush her hair away from her face and caress her cheek. Even in her sleep, she leaned into the touch, quietly whispering Ryou's name. That made the figure beside her chuckle.

"So you yearn for my Hikari, little Zahara. Too bad. You could have had some real fun. No matter," he said standing and turning toward her door. "There is someone much more valuable to me down the hall." Bakura swiftly passed through the door and gone into the hallway before Zahara woke with a start and sat upright in her bed. Chills coursed through her body and she looked wildly around her room, finally reaching for the lamp beside her bed and switching it on. The dreadful feeling had returned to her full force, only this time she sensed danger. She found her clothes and dressed herself before opening her door and looking around.

"Seems quiet enough," she whispered. Still her senses screamed to her that someone was in danger. She only wished she could fine tune her senses like her mother had so she could figure out just who was in danger. Quietly, she made her way to Téa's room and found the girl sleeping, but not peacefully. Her next stop was Tristan, who was also tossing in his bed. She frowned as she closed his door and went to Joey's next. She stopped when she heard him shouting something about someone not taking his pizza and realized he had to be just fine. His worst nightmare at the moment was someone stealing his food. Her hand touched briefly on Ryou's door. She figured she would leave Yugi's for last to check, just in case he was only sleeping as well so she did not disturb him. She also was not ready to face the Spirit of his puzzle if he felt Yugi was being threatened in any way by some stranger coming into the room. Her fingers tingled on the door knob and a moan escaped her lips. She had a feeling she knew what she would find.

The door crept open and she peeked her head inside. The bed was still neatly made. He had not even been to bed yet, she guessed. No running water, so he was not in the shower. She realized he was not even there. Panic surged through her body and the raced from his room to Yugi's. If the spirit has indeed returned, Yugi is in danger! She did not knock; she did not even bother to be quiet when she burst through the door to her nephew's room.

"Zahara? What is it? What is wrong?" Yugi asked as he stood from his spot by the window. He had been awakened earlier by a dream and could not go back to sleep. His heart jumped when she flew into his room, and he could tell by the look in her wide eyes, something was terribly wrong. She ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"You're okay! You're safe, oh thank Ra!" He hugged her back before pushing her away slightly so he could catch his breath.

"What is wrong? Why wouldn't I be safe?" She looked around his room.

"Is he here? Is Ryou in here?"

"No, why would he be in here? Zahara, you are starting to worry me. What is wrong?" She stopped for a moment. If he doesn't know then there is no reason to worry him more, come up with a reasonable explanation, baka! She shouted to herself. She did the only thing she could think to do. She shook her head and sat down.

"It must have been a dream. But it seemed so real." She sighed as Yugi came up to her and placed a small hand on her shoulder.

"It's all right, really Zahara. You just had me a bit freaked, that's all. Are you going to be okay?" She nodded. "What was the dream? What made you think I was in danger.

"I dreamed the evil spirit was back in control of Ryou again and that he was after your Puzzle." Ra, I'm good, she thought as the story rolled right off her tongue. She hated lying and she rarely did so, but she had locked herself into a spot in which she had no choice. She hung her head and he looked at the ground a moment. Suddenly a stronger voice spoke to her, and the hand on her shoulder took a firmer grip.

"Are you certain it was a dream?" She stifled her gasp and was glad her head was lowered so he could not see the fact her eyes had widened in shock. "Zahara, look at me." She gulped and did what she was told. He was, after all, her father. Even if he was in another's body. "Are you certain it was a dream?"

"I –I don't know for certain. Something startled me awake, tonight." She realized she had to tell him the truth. Yugi could be shielded form the truth of this. "Can Yugi hear us?"

"Only if I choose to let him. Most times I make it so he just goes to sleep. He never even knows what is going on. At least that was how it was at first. Now we seem to just work closely together. At least until…" He paused a moment before changing his thought process to getting back to the topic at hand. "Why, is there something he should not know?"

"Perhaps right now. Until we know for certain." She stared at him with her pleading eyes and after a moment, he nodded. He closed his eyes briefly to set up his mental blocks and then looked at her again.

"So what is wrong?"

"Ryou's missing. After I woke, I had this… feeling… that something was wrong. That something wasn't right. I checked everyone's room. Ryou was gone. So I feared the spirit had returned somehow and that the Puzzle was in danger so I came here. I did not mean to frighten him. I am sorry."

"Do not worry about Yugi. He will be all right. His innocence allows him to forgive easily. Besides, he may not even remember all this come morning." She gave Yami a grateful smile. "You said Ryou was missing? Do you know where he could have gone?"

"He was with Téa and Tristan earlier, but they are in their rooms. They are not resting well, though. I wonder if it has something to do with Ryou's disappearance."

"Come, let us check on them." She stood with him and followed him back into the hall. She suddenly felt very foolish, like a child insisting on a monster in her closet, asking her father to check and make sure the monster was gone. Only this time, the monster was real. And her father was actually there to help her, not one of her "uncles."

Yami frowned as they checked in on Tristan and Téa but he said nothing. They went inside Ryou's room to look around, but saw nothing to give the slightest clue that anything was out of place, aside from Ryou's missing body. They walked back into the hall and Zahara sighed.

"I am sorry I disturbed you, but I appreciate you helping me to check on them." He was still lost in thought when she spoke, but he did look over at her.

"I am not so certain you are far from the truth, Zahara. It is possible he has returned. Just be careful when you see Ryou next, okay?" She nodded in agreement. They were about to part ways when a crash caught their attention.

"That came from my mother's room!" Zahara exclaimed. Instantly the raced to the room at the far end of the hall.

Aurora had not been able to rest that night so she stood on the balcony to her room. Standing there, she had seen Tristan, Téa, and Ryou scaling the tower to Pegasus' secret room and felt a premonition of trouble. There was soft light and then a brighter golden flash. She shook her head, praying that the trio of friends were okay. Turning, she brought her attention to the scene before her. She felt oddly at home in that room as she peered out over the landscape. The only real difference was that instead of sand, she could see the ocean and the thousands of trees that lead up to the edge. That and the fact that it was not her husband's palace, but rather the castle of a mad man. She sighed and began to return to her room when she was caught off guard by a strong arm around her waist, and another covering her mouth.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! She berated herself for letting her guard down as she began to struggle with her captor. She froze at the voice near her ear.

"Miss me, m'lady? The years have not changed you I see. At least in looks, but how about strength?"

Bakura! Her struggles increased and she sank her teeth into his hand causing him to hiss and release her. She spun around to face him, wiping his blood from her mouth.

"My strength is just fine, Bakura," she spat out as she took up a defensive stance. "As I recall, you did not care for my kind of power being used against you, so why tempt me now?"

"Because it is so fun to watch my prey struggle. I have been looking forward to this day. So many centuries and I finally find the Pharaoh's family. What luck!"

"Consider that the end of your luck, Bakura."

"Is that how you really feel? Such a shame, we could have ruled the world together, you and I."

"And I would want that, why?"

"I see, I am not good enough for you, a mere thief is nothing once you have tasted the power of the Pharaoh." She felt her blood beginning to boil. The boy before her looked indeed to be the boy Zahara had fallen for, but the face; no, the eyes, gave him away. They were cold and calculating. The eyes of a predator. He faded from sight a moment before she felt him behind her again, his breath at her neck. "You have no idea what you are missing out there, Lady… Aurora… Phoenix." Her breath sucked in and she stood frozen. No one had used her real name since the Pharaoh's body had been laid to rest. She swallowed hard to get her nerves under control. She tried to face him and he moved with her, to keep her back to him. They were doing a dance of sorts. A warrior's dance. She finally stopped moving and just let her eyes roam side to side to watch for him. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She had not had to actually fight in a long time, but the skills were always there.

"What do you want here, Bakura? Even you are not foolish to think I would turn to you after all you have done."

"All I have done?" His soft evil laughter echoed in her mind. "My dear, you are a part of the family who ruined my life, and you think I am the one in the wrong? Guess I will just have to take the family apart one by one, just as I swore to all those years ago." His next words were his mistake. "That pretty little daughter of yours would be a nice beginning…" His thought was cut off as he was forced to the other side of the room by a blinding white light.

Aurora breathed heavily as another white orb of light appeared in her hand ready to attack him again. He shook his head and stood slowly against the door. "Leave my daughter out of this, or I swear to Ra it will be the last thing you ever do. Not even the gods will be able to find your soul to take with them by the time I finish with you." He gave her a mischievous grin.

"Sounds tempting, is that an offer; perhaps a promise?" He shouted as the white light struck him again and he was forced through the doors shattering wood everywhere. Aurora gasped when she saw Zahara and Yami standing just outside the room. She could tell they had been about to enter.

"Ryou!" Zahara raced over to him and lifted his head. Aurora had been about to stop her when the boy lifted his head.

"We aren't finished, Lady Aurora. Not by a long shot." Yami frowned and Zahara gasped, nearly dropping him as his eyes closed and his head fell back into her arms. There was a groan and Ryou lifted a hand to his head.

"What hit me," he murmured.

"Ryou?" Tears filled Zahara's eyes. She recognized the voice that had spoken to her mother. It struck fear into her heart. But she was glad to hear his softly accented voice again. She pulled him to her and held him.

"Zahara? Where am I?"

"You don't know?" Aurora asked as she stepped forward. He saw the angry frown on her face and cringed. He looked around at the doorway, seeing it shattered around him.

"I am sorry, Ms. Hart, I am afraid I don't."

"It is best to leave it that way then." She looked over at her daughter. "It is safe for you to take him back to his room, now."

"Are you sure that is wise?" Yami asked her as he helped Zahara to help Ryou stand. She looked away, but nodded.

"Yes, no harm will be done to anyone tonight. He is weakened to a point he could not return if he wanted, at least for now. But that does not mean Ryou is in the clear." They realized Ryou had not heard her as he collapsed against Zahara's shoulder. She tightened her grip on him and began to head toward his room. Aurora, and Yami helped her to make sure he made it there and watched as she laid him on his bed, gently covering him with a blanket. She brushed several strands of white hair from his face, but said nothing. She noticed the cut on his hand and lifted it to her lips. Aurora looked hard at her daughter as a soft light appeared where her lips touched his skin and when she lifted her head, they saw the cut was gone. Not even a scar left behind. Silently, she stood and walked past her parents to enter her own room where they saw her collapse on her bed in tears. Aurora sighed and turned back to her room.

"Is there nothing you can do to comfort her?" Yami asked her. She stopped and looked at him. Sadly, she shook her head.

"She made her decision. Now she must follow through. It was the way she and her siblings were brought up."

"There are others?" She nodded.

"Three of them total. She is one of two daughters and one son that were born at the same time." Yami seemed to be searching Yugi's mind for something.

"Triplets?" She nodded again. This time she turned and made her way back to her room. "Wait, I still have a few more questions."

"Of that, I don't doubt. But I can only help you so far. Several answers you must seek on your own. Yugi will be there to help you."

"If he can ever forgive me." She stopped and saw him looking down. It was an odd sight to her, to see him humbled like that. Her heart reached out to him before her head kicked into gear.

"Please, Yami. Come inside what is left of this room at least." He nodded and entered. He watched as she closed her eyes and he felt the floor shake slightly underneath him. As he stared, he saw the door begin to reassemble itself in its place. When she turned to face him again, he noted a few beads of perspiration on her temple from the strain. His questions of her powers left when he noticed the tinge of blood on her lips and on instinct hewent to her and touched them.

"Were you hurt? Did he harm you?" She smiled and lightly brushed his fingers away as she touched her own to her lips.

"It isn't mine," she said simply. "He more startled me, than hurt me. I am guessing he forgot the blow I dealt him the first time we met."

"When was that?" She paused.

"Years ago." Taking a quick breath she turned and went to the bathroom for a cloth to wipe her lips on. When she returned she had regained her composure at least slightly. She fought the memories of the night in the club as she tried to keep her business-like stature. "You wanted answers that could possibly help you to defeat Pegasus, did you not?"

"Yes, I did. Though it may seem premature to go about it now. I still have… Yugi still has to make it through the next two rounds." He watched her shake her head.

"You're wrong. In your way of thinking, that is."

"I am?"

"Yes, in order to face Pegasus, as I know you will, the two of you must set aside the results of your duel with Kaiba. You must have faith in each other, trust in each other. Be able to play off each other." She saw him nod, but he hesitated to respond. She offered him a spot on the couch in her room and she sat on the bed. "Yami, he is still so young, he has no idea what he is involved in. He has no idea the dangers. But he will. And he will be scared. He will need you. Just as you will need him.

"But how can we help each other? What can I do?"

"Pegasus holds great power. A power that you, yourself are very familiar with actually. He grows stronger with every soul he keeps. But he will not be at his strongest unless he takes your soul, along with the Puzzle."

"But why?"

"You have seen a sample of the power he unlocked with the Millennium Eye. Imagine the power he could unleash upon this world if he had your Puzzle as well. He has to be stopped."

"I agree," Yami told her softly. "So how can Yugi and I stop him?"

"It will be up to Yugi. He has to face the fear within himself that has him holding you back right now. He has to be able to capture and harness the powers of the Puzzle."

"How can he?"

"That is something he must learn on his own, Yami. Not even I am able to tell him that, for those secrets were kept even from me."

"How do you know so many of the legends regarding the Millennium Items? I mean, I know Zahara said your family has guarded them for centuries, but how was it your family that was destined for this task?"

"Another lesson you must learn on your own. All you need to know is that my children and I are directly connected to them. Or rather, connected to your puzzle at least." She paused and decided to bring the conversation back to Pegasus. "Yami, it is important that Pegasus be stopped no matter what the cost this time. He can't be allowed to continue to abuse the power of which he was given. He has the kind of soul which would lead him to use the powers, on top of the powers he would have access to from any other Items, to destroy this world, leading it into absolute nothingness. The fate of this world lies in the hands of you and Yugi."

"But he won't even acknowledge me anymore. I only broke through earlier because his sadness and anger had weakened his barrier. He has struggled against me ever since. Even now I can feel him fighting to get back in control."

"Then don't hold him back. You know all I can tell you about getting to Pegasus. The more you find yourself fighting Yugi, the more he will refuse to trust you. He has to trust you. It is the only way he can harness and use the powers that are available in that Puzzle." She stood and ran a hand through her hair as she sighed. He stood as well and watched her, his arms crossed in front of his chest. There was still one question he had to ask.

"You know the legends, you protected the items; perhaps you can answer me this," She was glad he could not see her face as she felt it drain of color. She closed her eyes and waited. "Do you know who I am and why I feel connected to you in a way that is not connected to the puzzle?" Those were the words she had been dreading.

"You have been known by many names: Pharaoh, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Yami. That is all I can tell you. The rest you must learn on your own." She felt him touch her arm.

"You cannot even tell me why I feel so strange when I am near you? Why I want to hold you and never let go?" She bit down on the inside of her lips to keep herself from speaking. He could tell she knew the answer and was holding back.

"I cannot. Only you can find the answers you seek. They are there. Buried in your mind, deep inside your mind. Just know that I will never be far and should you need help, I shall do my best to give all I can. Now please, you mustn't keep Yugi back if you stand a chance to have him trust you enough to defeat Pegasus." He nodded and stepped back. He was disappointed again, but he had expected this answer.

"All right, I will leave you now. But one day, I hope I may be able to get the answers I know you are keeping from me. First thing's first. I have to stop Pegasus."

"And I am certain you will. My daughter and I both have faith in you. We will be watching. Good luck tomorrow." He nodded and left her. Her strength failing her, she fell to her knees as a sob wrenched itself from her throat.

Ra, you know how much this hurts! I want to tell him. I want to let him know. She hung her head. She knew no matter how badly she wanted to tell him, she was right in what she told him. There are some things he just had to learn on his own. Memories he had but were clouded if not completely buried. He had to find the clues and figure out the answers on his own for it to work. For him to regain his sense of self. If she told him, all he would have was her word. That would be what he based everything n and that was not fair to him. To find himself, he had to seek the answers on his own. All she could do was be there to nudge him along the way.

"Zahara?" Aurora heard Yugi's soft voice as he made an attempt to reach her daughter. "Is there something I can do to help?" Aurora moved to the door to see Yugi's uncertain body standing near Zahara's door. Her voice was rough from her sobbing, and she never moved from her bed to go to the door to see him.

"No, there is nothing anyone can do. Not now. Thank you, Yugi. But I will be just fine… Eventually."

Zahara, things will work out in the end. But they will get far more worse before get better. I am sorry this happened to you, dear. I wish I could change it. Just be careful. Tread cautiously. Bakura is not one to be messed with. But Ryou will truly need your help. So I give you my best and I will do what I can to keep you safe from the spirit. My word is my bond. I promise, you will not be along in this fight. Aurora closed her door and attempted to get a couple hours of rest before the games were to begin.

Well... That was a little unexpected. I have to admit I had no idea just what was going to be said between those two when I brought them together... But I knew it had to happen. We all did lol... And now the Bakura is back- that should throw a few more twists in here as Ryou struggles with his spirit. Yes... Very interesting... and that is coming from the authoress (grins)...

Now- onward to Mai vs. Yugi...